Grilled Asparagus

Charred, sweet, crisp and tender, grilled asparagus is a goes-with-everything side dish. The only trick, really, is to buy spears that are at least 1/2-inch thick at the base to ensure they can grill long enough to blister and caramelize without completely turning to mush. While best hot off the grill — perhaps alongside grilled chicken, shrimp or cheese — you can refrigerate grilled asparagus for up to four days; chop the spears up and use them to bolster grain or green salads.

Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus at least 1/2-inch thick, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 lemon, halved (optional)

Steps

1. Heat a grill to medium-high. On a sheet pan, in a baking dish or on a platter, drizzle the asparagus with the oil, season generously with salt and pepper and rub to evenly coat. 
2. When ready to grill, clean the grates with a grill brush. Add the asparagus perpendicular to the grates and the lemon cut-sides down, if using. Grill, turning occasionally, until the asparagus is lightly charred, bright-green and barely fork tender and the lemon is charred, 3 to 6 minutes. (If using a gas grill, close the grill between turns.) Squeeze the lemon over the asparagus and serve.